#04380 Yasumasa Morimura

The work presents a striking juxtaposition of familiar and unexpected elements. Here we observe a female figure seated on a chair, positioned against a detailed landscape backdrop rendered in atmospheric perspective. The face bears a strong resemblance to that of a well-known portrait, yet the body is dramatically altered; it depicts a pregnant woman, her abdomen prominently displayed.
The artist’s choice to combine this recognizable facial structure with an image of pregnancy introduces layers of complex subtext. The serene expression on the figures face contrasts sharply with the overt display of gestation, creating a tension between composure and physicality. This contrast could be interpreted as a commentary on societal expectations surrounding femininity, motherhood, or beauty standards.
The landscape itself, while seemingly idyllic, appears somewhat muted in color, which may serve to further emphasize the central figures presence and the unconventional nature of her depiction. The dark background isolates the subject, drawing attention solely to her form and expression.
The work’s power lies in its ability to provoke thought about established iconography and challenge conventional representations of women. It seems to question the boundaries between art historical reverence and contemporary commentary, prompting a re-evaluation of how we perceive both beauty and motherhood within artistic contexts.